16 Gallon, 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum

Features

  • 16 gallon tank capacity
  • 6.5 peak horsepower motor (PHP)
  • Fine‑dust cartridge filter (washable/reusable supplied; disposable bags also included)
  • Built‑in tank drain for emptying liquids
  • Onboard accessory storage bag
  • Rubberized front casters and large rear wheels for maneuverability
  • Built‑in blower port for use as a blower
  • Extra‑long power cord with cord wrap (20 ft)
  • Includes silencing muffler to reduce noise
  • Accessories included: 2.5 in. x 7 ft hose, 2 extension wands, floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, utility nozzle, car nozzle, 3 disposable filter bags, hose adapter, accessory storage bag

Specifications

Gallon Size 16 gal
Peak Horsepower (Php) 6.5
Airflow (Cfm) 90 CFM
Hose Diameter 2.5 in
Hose Length 7 ft
Cord Length 20 ft
Filter Type Cartridge (washable/reusable) + disposable bags included
Amperage 12 A
Product Weight 36.6 lb
Dimensions (H X W X D) 28.94 in x 20.47 in x 19.29 in
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed

16‑gallon wet/dry vacuum intended for jobsite and mobile use. It uses a cartridge filter for fine dust and supports wet or dry pickup. The unit includes a built‑in tank drain, blower port, onboard accessory storage, and casters for mobility.

Model Number: DXV16PA

DeWalt 16 Gallon, 6.5 HP Wet/Dry Vacuum Review

4.5 out of 5

A jobsite-sized shop vac that doesn’t scream while it works

I first rolled this 16-gallon DeWalt vac into my garage to tackle a messy mix of drywall dust, offcuts, and a bucket of saw-slurry from cleaning a tile saw. It’s a big canister, no doubt, but what stood out right away wasn’t the size—it was the tone. Instead of the usual high-pitched wail you brace for with shop vacs, this one runs with a more muted hum, especially with the included silencing muffler installed. I still wear hearing protection for long sessions, but I don’t feel like I’m standing behind a jet engine.

Build and setup

Out of the box, assembly is straightforward: casters on, handle secured, accessories in the onboard storage bag. The footprint is typical for a 16-gallon unit, but the balance is better than most. Rubberized front casters keep it from skating on smooth concrete, and the large fixed rear wheels track straight when you’re pushing across a jobsite or driveway. The fixed rear wheels do mean it’s less nimble when pulling it around tight corners; it “wants” to go straight, so backing up requires a bit of thought. I found pushing instead of pulling keeps it predictable.

At 36.6 pounds, it’s not light, but the top handle is solid and doesn’t flex when lifting the canister over thresholds or into a truck bed. Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt: latches close with confidence, the tank rim has an even seal, and nothing rattles.

Suction and real-world performance

Peak horsepower (6.5 PHP) is marketing shorthand across the category, so I pay more attention to airflow. At 90 CFM through a 2.5-inch hose, this vac pulls hard enough for heavy debris: framing offcuts, planer curls, and gravel don’t phase it. On floor cleanup duties, the floor nozzle and two extension wands let me cover ground quickly. For more targeted work, the utility nozzle and crevice tool make quick work of ledges, miter saw bases, and the spaces around floor plates.

Where the larger 2.5-inch hose shines is clog resistance. Cleaning up after a demo, I intentionally fed in chunks that would choke a smaller hose—no drama. The tradeoff is finesse: around benchtop tools or delicate work, the broad 2.5-inch diameter can be a bit blunt. I keep the car nozzle handy for tighter spots and fabric surfaces.

For those wondering about power-tool dust extraction, this is a capable shop vac, not a HEPA dust extractor. It does fine capturing general chips and dust at source for short runs, but it’s not an OSHA-compliant solution for silica or fine particulate control at the tool.

Quieter by design

Noise is the fatigue factor with any shop vac. With the muffler in place, this DeWalt settles into a lower pitch than many of its peers. The motor tone doesn’t bark when you close off the hose with your hand, and the muffler knocks down the shrillness that typically drives you out of the room. It’s still a powerful vacuum, so don’t expect library quiet, but the difference is noticeable during extended cleanup.

Mobility and hose behavior

The twist-lock hose connection is a highlight. Cheaper vacs have a habit of letting the hose pop out when you snag it on a sawhorse; the lock here is positive and holds. The included 7-foot hose is flexible and doesn’t coil-memory fight you. I’d love to see a 10-foot option in the box for reaching into trucks without moving the canister, but with the 20-foot cord I usually find a workable spot to park it and go.

The cord itself is proper jobsite length and wraps cleanly around the integrated hooks. The onboard accessory bag is roomier than most and keeps odd-shaped nozzles from falling off. It’s not elegant—more of a tough pouch than molded storage—but it means the bits are there when you need them.

Wet pickup and the drain you’ll actually use

Wet vacuuming is where a 16-gallon can become a back-buster, and the built-in tank drain is a genuine back-saver. I used it to empty a mix of water and stone slurry after cleaning a tile saw tray; the threaded plug is large enough to pass grit, and it seals reliably. A tip: always remove disposable bags and switch to the bare cartridge filter or foam sleeve before wet work. Once you’re done, crack the drain and let gravity do the lifting instead of trying to tip a sloshing barrel.

Filtration and dust management

The cartridge filter is washable and reusable, which keeps consumable costs down. For fine dust—drywall sanding, MDF, or concrete cleanup—I strongly recommend running the included disposable bags. They catch the lion’s share of fines before they hit the filter, maintaining suction and keeping cleanup civilized. After a day of drywall dust, I swapped bags, bounced the cartridge clean, and was back to full power without the typical powder cloud.

Maintenance is low-effort: rinse the cartridge outside, let it dry fully, and re-install. The bayonet-style filter mount makes swaps fast, and the tank interior wipes down without weird ledges.

Blower mode and utility

The rear blower port turns the vac into a capable small blower. I use it to clear out the garage before sweeping and to dry off equipment after washing. It’s not a leaf blower replacement for yard work, but as a shop utility it’s handy, and swapping the hose to the port takes seconds.

Power draw and duty cycle

At 12 amps, you’ll want to be mindful of what else is on the same circuit. On a dedicated 15-amp line it’s fine; on shared runs with lights and a compressor you can trip a breaker. Duty cycle has been solid for me. Running continuous for garage cleanup and then alternating as I worked a miter saw station, the motor stayed smooth with no hot-electrics smell or pitch change.

What I’d improve

  • Steering when pulling backward: fixed rear wheels are great for tracking straight, less great for tight back-and-forth moves. Push rather than pull and it’s a non-issue, but swivel rears would help in small shops.
  • Hose length: 7 feet is usable; 10 would be better. Budget for an additional hose or coupler if you frequently reach into vehicles or across benches.
  • Floor nozzle: it’s fine on concrete and plywood, but edge cleaning could be stronger. I often switch to the utility nozzle for more aggressive pickup.
  • Not a dust extractor: if you need HEPA and auto tool-start for sanders and saws, this isn’t the right category.

Reliability and warranty

So far, the build has shown no cracks, loose casters, or latch fatigue. The rubberized front wheels are holding up to grit better than hard plastic types. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That coverage aligns with what I expect in this price tier and provides a safety net for heavy users.

Practical tips for better results

  • Use the disposable bags for any fine dust to maintain suction and keep the filter clean.
  • Don’t run bags during wet pickup; switch to the cartridge or foam sleeve and use the tank drain.
  • Keep the muffler installed to lower the noise pitch and make long cleanups more tolerable.
  • Park the vac and push it rather than dragging; it tracks straighter and avoids hose pop-offs.
  • Rinse the cartridge outside and dry fully before reinstalling to prevent odor and mildew.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 16-gallon vac to anyone who needs a full-size shop vacuum with strong, reliable pickup and lower-than-typical noise. It’s especially good for garage and jobsite cleanup where the 2.5-inch hose and large canister shine—demo debris, wet messes, and end-of-day sweeping. The tank drain and locking hose are quality-of-life features you’ll appreciate every time you use them, and the included accessories and long cord make it ready to work out of the box.

If your priority is HEPA filtration with auto tool-start for dust-critical tasks, look at a dedicated extractor. If you’re in a tight shop and maneuverability is king, the fixed rear wheels may frustrate you. But for general construction, remodeling, and serious home shop use, this vac hits the right notes: solid suction, quieter operation, smart wet handling, and practical storage, backed by a solid warranty.



Project Ideas

Business

Mobile Car Detailing

Offer interior detailing with wet/dry extraction for spills, sand, and pet hair using the car and crevice nozzles. The blower port speeds drying vents and floor mats, and disposable bags keep fine dust contained. Package tiers (basic, premium, kid/pet cleanup) and upsell stain/odor treatment; operate from a compact hatchback/van.


Post-Construction Cleanup

Provide renovation/contractor cleanup focused on fine dust control using the fine-dust cartridge and bags (or a cyclone pre-separator). Vacuum drywall dust, floor debris, and window tracks; finish with a blower sweep for garages. Price by square footage or room, and partner with local contractors for steady referrals.


Ground-Based Gutter Cleaning Service

Market a ladder-free gutter cleaning service using a custom pole system and the 16-gal vac to collect debris neatly into bags. Offer before/after photos, optional downspout flush, and seasonal service plans. Safe, fast, and tidy—ideal for seniors and property managers.


Emergency Water Removal (Small Jobs)

Respond to minor floods, burst pipes, or appliance leaks with rapid wet pickup; the tank drain speeds disposal to a floor drain or outdoors. Pair with fans/dehumidifiers for basic dry-out and refer larger remediation when needed. Flat call-out plus hourly rates; great for property managers and short-term rentals.


Dryer Vent and Appliance Deep-Clean

Use the vac with rotary brush kits to clear lint from dryer vents and under/behind appliances, reducing fire risk and improving efficiency. Include a blower test to verify airflow and offer vent cover replacements. Bundle with lint trap, bathroom fan, and refrigerator coil cleaning for higher ticket jobs.

Creative

Rolling Dust-Collection Cart with Cyclone

Build a compact plywood cart that mounts the vac beneath a 5-gallon bucket cyclone separator (or Thein baffle) to capture 95% of chips before they hit the filter. Add a switched outlet, hose hooks, and onboard storage for the nozzles. This turns the vac into a shop dust collector for sanders, miter saws, and routers while extending filter life and keeping suction strong.


DIY Vacuum-Forming Rig

Create a small vacuum-forming table using a perforated platen, foam gasket, and the vac as the suction source. Heat thin plastic sheets in an oven and pull them over molds for cosplay armor, RC car bodies, or packaging. The 2.5 in hose and 90 CFM provide solid draw for small-to-medium pulls; the muffler helps keep noise tolerable.


Ground-Level Gutter Cleaning Pole

Assemble lightweight 2.5 in compatible PVC/ABS pole sections with bends to reach gutters from the ground. Use the crevice/utility nozzles to vacuum out leaves and sludge, or switch to the blower port to push clogs through. Add a small action cam/mirror mount and quick-release couplers for a tidy, safe, ladder-free system.


Pond and Water Feature Sludge Vac

Make a slotted PVC intake wand with a mesh prefilter sock to vacuum pond bottoms without sucking up fish or gravel. Use the 16-gal capacity for batch cleaning and the built-in drain to empty nutrient-rich water into garden beds. Great for aquaponics and fountain maintenance without hauling buckets.


Backyard Foam Cannon (Blower-Port Powered)

Build a simple foam generator: a mesh screen tube fed with mild, kids-safe foam solution and powered by the vac’s blower port. Mount to a tripod or fence for parties and photo ops. The long cord and muffler make setup easy and less noisy; always keep electronics and outlets away from overspray.